Voting has commenced in France on July 7 in crucial runoff elections that could lead to a historic victory for Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally and its anti-immigrant agenda, or result in a hung parliament and prolonged political deadlock.
French President Emmanuel Macron took a bold step by dissolving parliament and calling for the elections after his centrist party suffered a major defeat in the European elections on June 9.
The snap elections in France, a nuclear-armed nation, will have repercussions on the conflict in Ukraine, global relations, and Europe’s economic stability, and are likely to weaken President Macron’s position for the remainder of his term.
The initial round on June 30 witnessed significant gains for the National Rally, a nationalist party led by Marine Le Pen.
The outcome of Sunday’s vote will determine the party in control of the National Assembly and the future prime minister. If Macron’s centrist majority continues to decline, he may have to form a coalition government with parties that oppose his policies.
The electoral campaign has been marred by incidents of racism, antisemitism, and Russian cyberattacks, leading to heightened tensions. The government has deployed 30,000 police officers on voting day to maintain order.
Amidst these political developments, France is gearing up for significant events such as hosting the Olympic Games, the success of the national soccer team in the Euro 2024 championship, and the ongoing Tour de France.
With 49 million voters participating, France is witnessing one of its most crucial elections in decades.
If the National Rally secures an absolute majority, France could see its first far-right government since World War II. However, if no party wins a majority, Macron may have to explore coalition options or appoint a technocratic government.
These elections mark a pivotal moment for France and could impact its decision-making on various important issues.
Regardless of the outcome, Macron has stated that he will continue to serve as president until the end of his term in 2027.
